Saturday, 28 February 2015

Thought for the day: "When I'm not in my right mind, my left mind gets pretty crowded."

A busy day today. Down to Bridgend for the morning and the Divisional Meeting of the Red Cross of Constantine where I was acting as part of the Escort for the incoming Deputy Intendent General. Nice dinner - four course with wine and a couple of pints, and a lift - can't fault it at all.

Back this evening and found that I had not put a formal proposal forward for the VALE Live roleplay events. Have already applied for the licenses so am hopeful that there are no issues or problems, but I think it was more a case of getting the intentions down into writing to cover both parties.

So, some general writing in legalise and sitting back watching Batman Begins - can't see that I have seen it before - I am sure that I have - but I seem to have the great ability to forget things like films and books, and that allows me to enjoy them as much the second time around.

So - seems we need to bottle some more Chateau 41 - am out of bottles - maybe will take a couple of glasses form the demi - john - how low can I sink ??

Friday, 27 February 2015

Thought for the day: " "Vegetarian" is an old Native American word for "Bad Hunter" "

Yesterday was a litle frenetic. Having been told on Sunday that were short of a First Degree Tracing Board for last night - it did not seem too daunting a task to refresh the 20 minute monologue with 5 days to manage it... Of course, coming back via Aylesbury delayed matters a little, but that was to ensure that we had all the hangings necessary for the Forces Medieval Night on Monday - which was later cancelled !!

Sadly, the passing of Eileen disturbed things a little, particularly as I was secretary of the Mark Lodge on Monday night and covering for one of the officers.

But the evening went well after all. I was but one of those under a little pressure. My friend was also a little distracted as he conducted his Senior Deacon duties in inimitable style - his wife was in Singletion Hospital Maternity - waters burst - but not much happening... Not surprisingly, he did not stay for the festive board, and I too was home fairly early for me.

The new credit/debit card machine arrived, and as you are meant to make sure that it charges for 24 hours - I of course plugged it in - which caused it to emit an annoying "Bleep" every 30 seconds like a demented smoke alarm tester. Shutting it in the spare bedroom only just helped... I think I must have slept through the noise but when I got up this mornign there was a pillow over the machine - so I think it must have disturbed Susie .....

Up early this morning and the machine is initialised, though I had to walk around the house to find the best signal... apparently works on 4 different phone networks and will poll accordingly. It will be useful if it does - as I recall that in Wigan Scout Camp - I had to paint a red cross on a stone to show the only place on the site where I used to get a clear signal to take a credit card....

Rest of the morning has been spent working through the insurance and notifications for Eileen. I must say that things seem to get easier each time - though I will accpet that this one is not very complicated. A couple of insurnace policies that do not even need to have the death certificate, and a bank account to close. With the new computerised "tell it once" system for notifying all the other parties like pension and local authority, it is being simplified greatly....

So, we seem to have a tent. Credit Card machine. Bertha as standby tent. I found a tap yesterday for the barrel and some spiles or breathers. Vodka and Whisky are at £15 in Morrisons so will have to head out there again later - restricted to two bottles per customer. Found some tea lights on Ebay - for 99p - being picked up for Newcastle on Tyne this evening. Will have to check how much we sold at LARP Aid int he past - I do not think it is very high quantities. But that event is more of a Charity Do and prestige link...

Also have to look for benches and tables for that event - seems that they hire them at the scout camp.
Licensed the four VALE events yesterday and the Raglan Pirate Event. We seem to be moving in the right direction... Will be nice when we start earning some money.

Thursday, 26 February 2015

Thought for the day: "Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark."

Well things seem to be heading in the right direction. The new tent arrived up in Hartlepool so we have a covering. There should be a meeting today to see about Bosworth and Galstonbury - the hire of our tents and working in cooperation with the Stagger Inn. I am waiting today for the delivery of the new Card machine - a necessary expense.

Sadly, I received a letter today stating that the solicitor for the other party is away until March 2nd so we have a delay before we find out what is hapening there.

Meanwhile, the hits on the Crimson Moon Facebook pages have received a record number of hits, and I have a four more links added - so all is going well.

Last night I had an enquiry about a wedding into 2016 - for the Summer Sostice. Taken a provisional booking. Would be in the Northampton area. That makes two advance bookings for 2016 for private events - on top of the ones that I would hope will run - the Vale and Curious Pastimes.

Latest videos from Days gone by on line.... No 8 - the English Civil war Society and the Adams School back in 2006.

Off to the Registrar today to notify the death of Eileen. The Certificate has been signed by the Doctor and everything is ready to go ahead for the probate.

Sorry that the Blog has been limited recently but there have been many things happening ...
We will get back to normal soon ..

Sunday, 22 February 2015

Thought for the day: " As I watched the dog chasing his tail, I thought "Dogs are easily amused." Then I realized I was watching the dog chase his tail!!! "
Second day of the Awareness Fayre and the aftermath of Johnny Ball at the Awards Ceremony last night. He did a good job and was very entertaining, but he did enjoy the ladies !!!
A the bar someone noted that he would really like to see Steve "the Flasher" Mitchell, Vollsanger and Johnny Ball sitting at a table in the Crimson Moon with a pint in hand - as it woudl be just "Three types of Wrongness" in one place... Not sure I agree :)

But, did not win the Bard Award last night. Was beaten to the punch by two Empire PD singers, Mark Chilvers and Jamie Wakefield. Both of whom look excellent. I cannot complain - I had a life time achievement award in 2013 - and that was for only 10 years in the hobby!!

Take down was much easier with three. Only took a few minutes to get everythign into the Bothy and then a quick stop over in Aylesbury to see the family. Sadly, Freja's birthday and she was unwell with a sickness bug, as were most of the family ... Think I have managed to escape it so far ...

A new option is to do an army evening in Haverfordwest - Time is short to set up as it is to be next Monday - but I have some ideas......

Saturday, 21 February 2015

Thought for the day: "Blessed are the weird people: poets, misfits,
writers, mystics, painters, troubadours, for they teach us to see the
world through different eyes"

So a short note in the blog today as I am away in a hotel in Leicestershire for the LARP AWARDS and LARP Awareness Day ....
Got here early to be able to set up the new stand. Crimson in Colour, with the traditional wooden backing and plenty of ivy greenery and a big Telly for the display of Days Gone By videos.

The Drunken Monk Teddies in place, and they went down well. Had to put the Drunken Monk Teddies save Christmas on a few times for people as they went past...

But everyone seemed to welcome the return of the Crimson Moon in my hands, which was very gratifying.
Seedling Productions was set up in the other half of the floor but no mention of the Crimson Moon on their stall and a refusal to speak to me meant that there were no difficult conversations.

So - a successful day and some new possible opportunities with joined up working with the Stagger Inn. We have lost the Glastonbury Medieval Fayre and the Early Medieval Alliance at Caldicot, but as the Stagger Inn are currently short of a large tent it looks as though we may be able to hire our tent out ot them in the short term, and do some work in the Stagger Inn - and maybe seel a few country wines... We shall negotiate, but it is nice to be working alongside the competition - that is the way it shoudl be.

So, the day went well and we secured the Vale as a double bar option. that will cause us some additional problems nearer the time - when we decide what to do about how much beer we open with two bars - it is likely to cause greater wastage - but we shall see how things pan out.

But after day one live - We have secured four CP events, four double bars for the Vale, a possible Bosworth and Glastonbury association, a Pirate Fest, and LARP AID ... and a possible wedding for later in the year.
Not a bad start to the day ......Pity the prices are so expensive in the hotel - but may as well have a pint to celebrate...

Friday, 20 February 2015

Thought for the day : "My mate died of heart burn ....... I cant believe Gav is gone!"(don't blame me blame Warren Buckley....)Well - all set for the trip to Leicester. The Bothy is Full and the display is set - and it is off on the road to the LARP Awards and Awareness day.

Aiming to get there for 1.30pm. Doors do not open to the stall holders until 2pm - but best to be there early to get the best pitches...

I have no idea what will happen - but we shall see what happens. Latest solicitor's letter has gione to the other party - so they will be fully aware of what we are doing as I go live.

Thursday, 19 February 2015

Thought for the day :"If you don't do anything silly when you are young - you have nothing funny to talk about when you get older"

As we come up to the LARP Awareness party and LARP AWARDS for the weekend.. it is a time for a retrospect on sonme previous events in the past. So I started a series of "Days gone By" videos constructed from the film galleries in the past...

DAYS GONE BY (1)

The Wolfshead Bowmen and Hawskestone Follies.....

DAYS GONE BY (2)

The Big Cheese

DAYS GONE BY (3)

Carmarthen the West Wales Masons Charity

DAYS GONE BY (4)

Dara O'briain and the Tough Gig - Skullduggery

DAYS GONE BY (5)

L.A.R.P. Aid 2010...

Almost ready for the off tomorrow ... could be interesting ... oh - and I am nominated for a category as well - that will be fun...

Monday, 16 February 2015

Thought for the day: "Know how to kill the circus clown?? - go for the juggler!!"Had an awesome day of greetings - over 585 on the day and maybe 40-50 late callers - was lovely to hear from so many people..A slection of thoughts are postyed below - no names no pack drill - justa bn idea of what came through

A
dear friend once said it me, Sewell, clean off but great man. It is
truly a case of square in round. Iain, have a great birthday, and please
do not ever stop being square in round. Dai. Pembrokeshire, where Pigs
Do Fly.

Happy bright sparkly* green glitter encrusted day of born to you Sir. Hope it has been a very green and pleasant one smile emoticon x

I've not got some kewel birthday rhyme but wanted to
wish you a happy birthday , as you always put the effort in for everyone
else. Which is much appreciated . So hope you have a happy birthday
with your family 󾌵

*giants huge bewb squishes*

For the Bard who is never Barred. Happy birthday Ian.

happy birthday my friend... wish a great day and a
great your and i hope we again this year may raise our horns full of
mead to your great songs

Happy birthday Iain. like Dave Perry we also go back a
long way. I wa a cadet in Tenby and you were a young copper. Long time
ago !!

Sunday, 15 February 2015

Thought for the day: "I hate people who use big words just to make themselves look perspicacious!"

So today is my last day at the fine age of 60. Somehow is does not seem very different form any other, except it is Sunday and I had a bit of a lie in ... Breakfast has been pancakes and maple syrup which was nice and a bit of a change after regulation diet food for a while..

It is Sunday and I am gearing up for new challenges as we try to resolve the issues surrounding the Crimson Moon. Nominated for an award at the next LARP AWARDS as best Bard - there are four other nominations but it is nice to be nominated. Should have a fun couple of days in Leicester.

Superstitious? Not me, that's for certain! I'm not, and I never have
been,
though some funny old things have happened since the day I became
thirteen.
It happened to fall on a Friday - the year's longest day, in
June;
my bed was facing from south to north, and at night there was a
blue moon.

That night I looked in the mirror and it fell, and smashed on the floor,
and for seven long years I suffered bad luck - or eight- it might have
been more.
One day a black cat came towards me, and good fortune was
promised at last,
but as I bent forward to stroke it, it spat and it
hissed as it passed.

And then I spotted a ladder just leaning against a high wall;
I
thought I would just walk around it in case something up there might fall,
so I cautiously stepped off the pavement and got hit by a car in the leg
while a lad, walking under the ladder, caught a large can of paint on his
head!

But no! I'm not superstitious; I don't really believe all this rot.
I
suppose, in my life, as luck goes, I've just been unlucky a lot.
I've
thrown lots of coins into fountains, hoping my luck's gonna change;
I've
wished with a wishbone of chicken, but my luck always stays just the same.

They say a rabbit's foot brings luck, but pity the three-legged rabbit -
He won't get away from the farmer's gun; he might just give up, cos he's had
it!
On every Friday the thirteenth some people will never go out,
but
I don't really care what awaits be, or what it is really about.

I've taken my shoes off the table, and closed my umbrella indoors,
I've just bought a shiny new mirror, and I don't mind indecent phone calls.
I won't let my milk boil over; I'll try not to spill any salt;
I'll not
walk again round a ladder, although that paint job aint my fault.

I'll toss no more coins into fountains, or cut off a bunny's back foot;
and never again pull a wishbone and wish for a great pile of loot.
No!
I'll PROVE that I'm not superstitious - that's there's no triskaidekaphobe
here,
but I'll be damned if I go out of my house on the second Friday of
January next year!!

Cheers!

And the day that 50 Shades of Grey - the film is released happens to be the day that Lead singer of Visage - who sang Fade to Grey died... RIP Steve Strange..

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

Thought for the day : "I thought I might work in a shipyard - it could be rivetting"

Went searching for a car today. Sadly the Terrano has a poorly engine such that it is apparently not justifiable to repair at its age... It was a pity as we enjoyed that car. Found one in Neath same age and model pretty well but somehow did nto really trust the saleman who seemd rather glib.

Instead drove down to Cwmbran where we spent a few pounds more for a vehicle a year younger. Hoping that it goes through the new MOT and does not need the three months warranty that we are getting. Now - need to find some money ....Better get back to thinking about earning some money I suppose.Thought I was passed all that work stuff - ho hum !!

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

I posted a picture for a forthcoming event - and the fact that it appears I have been nominated for a LARP Award for Best Bard at the forthcoming Larp Awareness awards at Leicester in a froitnight's time...

I received the following suggestions - which I found amusing..

[Jack Slack]
Born to be Bard
Bard Company
Bard Moon Rising
You give love a Bard name
The Bard touch
Bard to the Bone
Bard Reputation
Bard Boy for Life
Pun Swarm Attack!
[Helen Duffi-Moone] You'll be barred Jack!
[Jack Slack] boom!

Sunday, 8 February 2015

Thought for the day : "Is the soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray now a seasoned veteran?"

Managed to get out to "What's your game" in Gloucester today .. Met up with a number of old friends. Moved some plans forward a stage or two .. All will become clear in a few days but in the meantime I am afraid that the posts will remain short..

Thursday, 5 February 2015

Thought for the day : " Harps are like elderly parents.. both are unforgiving and hard to get into and out of cars."

Had a busy day with the warehouse and clearing parts of the house. Now got a basement that we can see and a top room that you can get into - though it is a trifle cold up there .
A radiator would take the chill of with no real problems though.

Wednesday, 4 February 2015

Thought for the day : [New Word Definitions] "Frisbeetarianism (n.), The belief that, when you die, your Soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there." I don't know - just tickled me !

Heard a nice story today - care of Bob Williams - thought I would share it with you ...

Written by a Canadian bagpiper...

Time is like a river. You cannot touch the water twice, because the
flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of life.
As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral
director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no
family or friends, so the service was to be at a paupers’ cemetery in
the Nova Scotia back country.
As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions.
I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently
gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers
and crew left and they were eating lunch. I felt badly and apologized to
the men for being late.
I went to the side of the grave and
looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what
else to do, so I started to play.
The workers put down their
lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for
this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never played
before for this homeless man.
And as I played "Amazing Grace",
the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When
I finished, I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my
head was hung low, my heart was full.

As I opened the door to my
car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen anything like that
before, and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Managed to get to the warehouse today and do some sorting - trailer is empty again and ready for another load. Moved the Second freezer in to the other part of the basement and the bar area looks a lot better thought we have chickies ready to hatch.

Cold still permeating around, and British Gas are still messing around with the electricity readings for the Warehouse. They seem to think that I have used a lot of electricity at a very high premium. I have given them the readings and they have sent me a nice new bill with credit on it and then proceeded to reissues the first bill with the wrong figures. We shall see whether they get it sorted in the next couple of days ...

But meanwhile I have been drinking my diet coks and finding that I have bottles spare after I finish. W have kept them in the past for some gardening and for brining on some of the plants - acting as personal cloches... but here are a few other ideas...

There are some interesting ideas here - particularly like the igloo though do not think it would be very practical ... Cutting the ends to make wall hangins seems an idea and later there are options for making chandaliers the same way.

This is a way of making a footstool - seems a good idea. My mother used to make them out of cardboard boxes which she then covered with material .. but the same idea...

Lights and chandaliers..

Now this is more the way that we have used in the past - but not for shallots - seems an idea..

I like this concept for making walls - seems like a plan - though the walls seem to need a lot of wood to give them shape ..

This is an interesting carport - all the bottles are suspended from the roof structures by cords - it does not say whether they are then fixed / stuck together but seems likely to make the structure firm..

Nicely done - and then there are the greenhouses - simple structure but very effective and presumably generate a substantial warmth - more than double glazed..

Monday, 2 February 2015

Thought for the day: "Is an Esplanade another word for attempting an explanation while drunk?"

It is the start of another week - so tomie for a new picture ..

Sort of feels the right sort of thing to have when considering a battle ....
From the legacy of the Burns Night - a new profile is also called for and so we have the following - which received an immediate comment on the Book of Faces "There can be only one!"

Seems legit!

But if I were to want to change the Bothy one day - I may like to go for this - though it is illegal to drive the double trailer in theis country unless you are Showman's Guild

Sunday, 1 February 2015

Thought for the day :" Karl Marx hated Earl Grey tea I hear - he felt all proper tea is theft !"

Sunday evening and sitting in front of Midosmmer Murders. It has been very cold and I have splashed out - hang the costs and put the electric fire on - and it is very warm and comfortable.
I havea glass of Chateau 41 in hand - and a welcome return to the glass it is..

Another death on screen. That is five so far - a good one even for Midsommer.

Another day of letters and sorting for the future -all commercial in confidence - so I will leave things to the hands of Troy and DCI Barnaby...

About Me

From the frozen wastes of Northern Norsca, Vollsanger was a Skald of the old tradition - a Bard who was well schooled in the ancient songs and epic tales.

Coming out of the Skadi Mountains one day - he found the Crimson Moon Tavern in a glade with many strange people who had travelled great distances to meet up. The War Host!

Selling a song for a copper - writing songs on demand and entertaining the peoples of the factions. Vollsanger faces new challenges... LARP Awards Bard of the Year 2018. LARP & Re-enactment Skald.Guest Bard at the Conquest of Mythodea in Germany